BIG STORY: Top Facts Behind Uganda’s Deployment To Gaza | Here’s What You Didn’t Know!!

Parliament has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip, paving the way for Uganda to join an international peace support mission in one of the world’s most volatile conflict zones.

The decision followed a heated parliamentary debate on Thursday, with government defending the deployment as a contribution to global peace efforts while opposition legislators criticised the manner in which the motion was introduced and questioned the risks facing Ugandan troops.

The motion was tabled by the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who said Uganda had been invited to contribute troops to an International Stabilisation Force established under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025).

According to the minister, the mission is intended to support the implementation of a ceasefire, protect civilians, facilitate disarmament and contribute to long-term peace and stability in Gaza.

Kiwanuka told Parliament that Uganda’s participation follows a formal request made to President Yoweri Museveni by the United States government in July 2026.

He said Uganda’s strong track record in international peacekeeping operations made the UPDF well suited for the assignment.

“Uganda has built a strong professional force that has successfully served in Somalia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and several United Nations peacekeeping missions. Our participation will support ceasefire implementation, protect civilians, facilitate disarmament and contribute to long-term peace and stability,” Kiwanuka said.

He assured legislators that the troops would operate under clear rules of engagement, remain politically neutral and fully comply with international humanitarian law.

The motion, however, sparked sharp criticism from opposition Members of Parliament, who accused the government of rushing the House into approving a matter of national importance without adequate consultation.

Opposition Chief Whip Paul Mwiru argued that MPs had received the Order Paper only hours before the sitting, denying them sufficient time to study the proposal.

“This is not an ordinary motion. We are committing Ugandan soldiers to an active war zone. Parliament deserves adequate time to consult technical officers, examine previous deployments and fully appreciate the implications before making such a decision,” Mwiru said.

Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe also urged Parliament to first assess the performance of ongoing UPDF missions in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic before approving another deployment.

He warned that Gaza presents a far more dangerous operating environment because of its dense urban setting and the difficulty of distinguishing between civilians and combatants.

Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu echoed similar concerns, saying Parliament has a constitutional obligation to ensure Ugandan soldiers are not exposed to unnecessary danger.

“When you are sending our sons and daughters into conflict, Parliament must know why they are going, how they will be protected and what national interest Uganda is pursuing,” Ssewungu said.

Several legislators proposed referring the motion to the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs for detailed scrutiny before it could be debated.

However, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa ruled against postponing the debate, explaining that the omission of the motion from the day’s Order Paper was an administrative oversight and that government business takes priority under Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.

“The Minister did his part by submitting the motion in time. The omission was on my side. Parliament’s duty now is to debate and decide, either approve or reject it,” Tayebwa said.

Government MPs defended the proposal, insisting Uganda has consistently demonstrated professionalism in peace support operations across Africa.

Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi argued that Parliament routinely handles urgent national matters and should not delay debate on important government business.

UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko Ndarubweine also defended the deployment, saying the Ugandan army has earned international recognition for restoring stability in conflict-affected countries.

“Uganda should be proud that its army is regarded as an anchor of stability in a region of turbulence. The UPDF is trained to confront threats, protect humanity and restore peace, not to avoid difficult missions,” he said.

Following the debate, Parliament voted in favour of the motion, formally authorising President Museveni to deploy a UPDF contingent to Gaza under Section 38 of the UPDF Act.

The approval makes Uganda one of the countries expected to participate in the multinational stabilisation force tasked with supporting peace implementation and civilian protection in Gaza as reconstruction efforts continue.

The deployment also reinforces Uganda’s long-standing role in international peacekeeping, although it comes amid concerns over the security risks associated with one of the world’s most complex and active conflict zones.